Forum Topic

How daft is this?

I have just heard that Walton Firs camp site near Cobham in Surrey is in danger of being sold for development unless £800,000 can be raised.  The Scout association has decided to sell the freehold and the plan is for it to be bought and run by Walton Firs Foundation (charity number 1113830).  Our local scout group has been using the site regularly for some 60 years.Walton firs is a unique site of importance to many young people and youth groups needing the space and facilities for the stimulating activities our youngsters are crying out for.  Like building on school playing fields – how daft is this?Walton Firs Foundation c/o Linda Brown  5 Goffs Road, Ashford Common, TW15 1PG

Sarah Felstead ● 6627d12 Comments

My Scoutmaster tells me the following:The Scout Association have put up most of the sites they own for sale including Chalfont Heights. GLMW is at present trying to raise the money to buy Chalfont which from memory they must achieve by the end of the year. Other counties are in the same boat with sites under their jurisdictions.

Kath Richardson ● 6620d

I think the Scouts do a wonderful job - both my boys were Beavers,Cubs and Scouts, but I think they are seen as a bit naff by todays kids, which I don't think is true, but you know what they're like if it impinges on their street cred. they won't touch it with a bargepole, but in the cold light of day even the Scouts need dosh.

Vanessa Smith ● 6625d

Crumbs, Vanessa - I am getting quite worried about you - you sound so defeatist recently!I am quite chirpy today after hearing smashing things about saving £ on the slabs through the drive of the Councillors - Cllr Barbara Reid came by yesterday and the underlying factors are being teased apart to sort out ways to tackle the issues (which are many).  The Scout association should be expanding and I hardly think that they would be selling off valuable sites (to the movement) in order to ££££ profit take  ...  ?

Sarah Felstead ● 6625d

Sarah, If the land in question is owned by the Scout Assn. I doubt anyone, including the Government, can tell them what to do with it, it would be a completely private transaction. I know there is a tendency to blame authority for things we don't approve of but they are not always the villains of the piece. Everyone's out to make a quick buck these days and morals and scruples hardly rate a second thought.

Vanessa Smith ● 6626d

There may be little experience of State education amongst out hallowed leaders but I bet they have actual or family associations with real experience of the Scouting movement.  Maybe they need to check out what is going on for such a decision to be made?  …  :-)

Sarah Felstead ● 6626d

I say old chap bit strong don't you know, but very true none the less. But one thing you forgot, what about John no job Prescott how much does he know about Tony whats he got on him that puts a moron like that in the House of Commons? Thick as two short planks and can't even speak the Queens English.

Patrick James-Scott ● 6626d

Vanessa,For once I agree with you, and yes I do have a swipe at this government from time to time only because of the state that we are in, high taxes high cost of fuel too many people allowed into the country human rights compensation too many government departments set up for this that and the other a war that we did not need to send the boys and girls to need I go on?

Edward Fitzgerald ● 6626d

Edward it is quite clear you are no fan of the Government -however, I think it's a bit rich blaming them for all the ills that beset us - this seems to be a decision by the Scout Association no-one else. The Church has sold the Nazareth House site and the Thornbury Rd. site both at vast profit, all I can say is that these people all know the cost of everything and the value of nothing.

Vanessa Smith ● 6626d

... oooh 'eck Edward - bet they rode on the tailgate too!

Sarah Felstead ● 6626d

Why haven't they got their Hi-viz jackets and hard hats on, shame on them.

Edward Fitzgerald ● 6626d

Brownies, Guides and the whole Scout movement - along with Blue Peter and Johnny Morris shaped the nation!  ...  ;-)14th Ealing Scouts – off to the first World Jamboree August 1929.  Neighbours husband is 15 in the photograph.

Sarah Felstead ● 6626d

Sarah,I remember well camping there 40 odd years ago, when we left Barnes in the back of a furniture removal lorry we thought we had to go to the other side of the world. 20 odd scouts and two scout masters in the back with all the kit and tents etc no health and safety worries then was there! I also remember falling in the lake or possibly it was a river on the first day and got my uniform rotten. It will be a shame if it has to go but I expect John Prescott was behind it as New Labour wants to build over all the green belt in the south to keep the northerners happy.

Edward Fitzgerald ● 6627d